The Eustace Diamonds

In this third novel of Trollope's Palliser series the ambitious and morally ambiguous Lizzie Eustace becomes entangled in a scandal over a disputed diamond necklace. As she manipulates her way through high society questions of honesty greed and social standing emerge. Trollope expertly blends elements of mystery romance and satire using Lizzie's schemes to explore Victorian societal norms and the lengths people will go to protect their reputations. Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) became one of the most successful prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of Trollope's best-loved works known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire revolve around the imaginary county of Barsetshire; he also wrote penetrating novels on political social gender issues and conflicts of his day.